Represented by His Deputy, Dr.( Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Governor Wike pledged to continue to build our educational institutions to enviable heights in standards and structures comparable to similar institutions anywhere in the world.

He said the polytechnic was created to fill the vacuum which was to provide well-bred practically oriented professional manpower for the numerous establishments that abound in Rivers State in Particular and Nigeria at large, stressing that the historical circumstances that gave birth to the then Rivers State Polytechnic took place 24 years ago.

According to Governor Wike, the Polytechnic was officially renamed kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic in honour of the environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, whom he described as a writer, an educationist and activist who spoke forcefully against the Nigerian Military Regime and the Anglo Dutch Petroleum Company, Royal Dutch Shell for causing environmental damage to the Land of the Ogoni People in Rivers State.

The State Chief Executive who expressed delight that the Polytechnic had lived up to the expectation borne out of its vast historical background said the State government under his watch would continue to support the 8th Governing Council of the institution to succeed and commended the host community for supporting the school.

On his part, the Chairman of the 8th Governing Council of Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka said through the support of Governor Wike KENPOLY has undergone great transformation , stressing that the Governing Council has instituted the Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (NEW) prize for any student or department that excels in fabrication and innovative technology.

Also speaking, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Onengiyeofori Georgewill who said the mission of the Polytechnic was to produce skilled, technological and professional manpower for self-reliance and community services through the provision of adequate training in technical, entrepreneurial and practical sciences.

The Late Paul T. N. Birab, B. M, Wifa (SAN), Lucius Nwosu (SAN) and Ledum Mitee, Esq, were honoured as Patriots of Education at the event while a total of 17,671graduands received National and Higher National Diplomas.

Governor Wike had early commissioned a 3 storey class room block as well as a library complex in the school.